At least five people were injured as activists of Islami Chhatra Shibir and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) clashed in Narayanganj city on Wednesday, amid growing tensions between the two student organisations.
The violence erupted around noon at Government Tolaram College during a discussion meeting arranged to mark July Mass Uprising Day. Police and witnesses said the confrontation began following provocative remarks made by student leaders from both sides during the programme at the college auditorium.
The verbal dispute soon turned into a physical clash, triggering a series of chases and counter-chases that spread from the campus to College Road and the Chashara area.
Witnesses said activists from both groups were carrying sticks, iron rods and bamboo poles during the clashes. The situation remained volatile for around one and a half hours before police, including members of the Detective Branch (DB) and Fatullah Police Station, intervened and dispersed the groups.
Rival claims
Narayanganj city Chhatra Shibir President Amit Hasan alleged that JCD activists launched the attack amid recent political tensions between the two organisations.
“They beat our leaders inside Tolaram College. When we went there, they attacked several of us with sticks. I also sustained a head injury,” he claimed.
Shibir leaders Emdadul Haque Shuvo, Tamim Iqbal and Juhaj were receiving treatment at Narayanganj 300-bed Hospital, according to the organisation.
Meanwhile, Tolaram College Chhatra Dal President Monir Hossain Zia accused Shibir activists of making “unruly” remarks during the event.
“We wanted the campus to remain a place of peaceful coexistence, but they attacked our activists Tuhin Ahmed and Robin,” he said.
The injured JCD activists were admitted to Narayanganj General Hospital, party leaders said.
Police to take action after probe
Additional Superintendent of Police (DB) Md Hasinuzzaman said four to five people were injured in the clash, but none of the injuries were life-threatening.
“We are analysing CCTV footage to identify those involved in the violence and those responsible for disrupting law and order. Legal action will be taken after the investigation,” he said.
No arrests had been made until Wednesday afternoon.
Although police removed Chhatra Shibir activists from the area around 1:30pm, JCD and Jubo Dal activists were later seen moving through nearby streets, including College Road, Jamtala and Kalirbazar, carrying sticks and protesting against Shibir until around 2:30pm.
